House of the Dragon, a prequel set almost two hundred years before the events in Emmy-award winning fantasy Game of Thrones, is one of the most popular shows on HBO Max. While no release date has been announced for season two, the upcoming season will reportedly consist of eight episodes — two episodes shorter than the first season. Deadline was the first to break the news.
The reduction in episodes is likely contributed to a long-term plan for the series. However, an HBO spokesperson said in a statement that the reason is purely for story-driven purposes. The news comes as House of the Dragon has already started production for the second installment of the series.
Showrunner Ryan Condal (Rampage, Colony), who also executive produces alongside the author George R.R. Martin (Fire & Blood, A Dance With Dragons), and the team behind the series reportedly have an idea for a three or four season arc. Because of this, some parts that were written for season two have been moved for a potential season three. Martin explained, “I am thrilled that we still have 10 hours every season to tell our tale. I hope that will continue to be true. It is going to take four full seasons of 10 episodes each to do justice to the Dance of the Dragons, from start to finish.”
Many of the details surrounding the second season are vague. Condal has revealed one small teaser —“In Season 2, you’re going to meet five new dragons.”
Additionally, he says of the anticipated season: “The wonder of going into season two – for any show, but for this one in particular – is we have such an embarrassment of riches in terms of the great cast that we put together. The writing is so much easier because you’re now writing for a this great cast [who we have now seen] embody these roles. They’re three-dimensional characters and it makes their story so much easier to tell because they’re already embodied and there’s a joy in the writing because of that.”
House of the Dragon season one is currently streaming on HBO Max.